A good head is vital to your business. But heads are easily injured and tricky to fix. That’s why every Yamaha Utility ATV sold at Mystery Creek Fieldays June 16 to19 - from the mighty Grizzly 4x4 and Rhino 700s, through to the YFM350 - will come with a free helmet.
Designed to be as easy to use as possible – they’re more like hard-hats than traditional bike helmets – they’ve been developed by ACC, the agriculture industry and standards NZ to reduce injury, and keep you at work. For 35 farmers come off their quad bikes every day, one in 20 is hurt badly enough to take time off work, and eight per cent suffer head injuries. The good news is that many of those injuries would be prevented if the 80 per cent of farmers who currently don’t wear helmets used their heads, and wore one. After all, if that helmet protects you from harm you can stay on the job, and earning.
It’s a no brainer really, says Yamaha NZ’s Peter Payne. “We’d like to see farmers view helmets just like any other personal protective equipment. You can minimize needless injury to yourself or your employees by wearing one,” he says. ACC and the Motor Industry Association are supporting the helmet campaign at Fieldays, which they hope will reduce the injury stats next year. Meanwhile Payne’s promised another reason to buy. “The last year has been tough on farmers – and on dealers. So we’re looking at giving both a boost by combining our ‘Trade in your ex’ promotion with a 5.99% YMF retail finance deal to anyone buying at Fieldays.”
Forget trading in your wife or that ageing cattle dog, “But bring in your quad, Ag or Rhino, buy on YMF finance and you’ll pay nothing for 12 months – with just two payments over 24 months at 5.99%** until July 25,” Payne says. “Don’t want to trade? The 5.99% rate is good for any finance sale made at the Yamaha Fieldays site.” “And if you’re buying a Utility ATV or AG100/200, Yamaha will throw in one of its water blasters* to seal the deal.”
You can tell he’s a marketer. But Payne wants to keep his customers safe, and coming back. “The main thing is our buyers take their helmet home and use it,” he says. “We want to see them working smart, wearing that helmet, and coming back safe and sound next year.”
*while stocks last ** Conditions apply to approved purchasers)
A good head is vital to your business. But heads are easily injured and tricky to fix. That’s why every Yamaha Utility ATV sold at Mystery Creek Fieldays June 16 to19 - from the mighty Grizzly 4x4 and Rhino 700s, through to the YFM350 - will come with a free helmet.
Designed to be as easy to use as possible – they’re more like hard-hats than traditional bike helmets – they’ve been developed by ACC, the agriculture industry and standards NZ to reduce injury, and keep you at work. For 35 farmers come off their quad bikes every day, one in 20 is hurt badly enough to take time off work, and eight per cent suffer head injuries. The good news is that many of those injuries would be prevented if the 80 per cent of farmers who currently don’t wear helmets used their heads, and wore one. After all, if that helmet protects you from harm you can stay on the job, and earning.
It’s a no brainer really, says Yamaha NZ’s Peter Payne. “We’d like to see farmers view helmets just like any other personal protective equipment. You can minimize needless injury to yourself or your employees by wearing one,” he says. ACC and the Motor Industry Association are supporting the helmet campaign at Fieldays, which they hope will reduce the injury stats next year. Meanwhile Payne’s promised another reason to buy. “The last year has been tough on farmers – and on dealers. So we’re looking at giving both a boost by combining our ‘Trade in your ex’ promotion with a 5.99% YMF retail finance deal to anyone buying at Fieldays.”
Forget trading in your wife or that ageing cattle dog, “But bring in your quad, Ag or Rhino, buy on YMF finance and you’ll pay nothing for 12 months – with just two payments over 24 months at 5.99%** until July 25,” Payne says. “Don’t want to trade? The 5.99% rate is good for any finance sale made at the Yamaha Fieldays site.” “And if you’re buying a Utility ATV or AG100/200, Yamaha will throw in one of its water blasters* to seal the deal.”
You can tell he’s a marketer. But Payne wants to keep his customers safe, and coming back. “The main thing is our buyers take their helmet home and use it,” he says. “We want to see them working smart, wearing that helmet, and coming back safe and sound next year.”
*while stocks last ** Conditions apply to approved purchasers)
Piloting Working ATVs over NZ’s rugged terrain can be hard work – which is why power assisted steering is so useful, says Yamaha NZ’s Peter Payne.
“Whether you use your ATV all day for work or the occasional leisure activity, riding it shouldn’t become a wrestling match. Not only is accurate steering vital to safety – easy manoeuvring keeps you fresh to concentrate on everything else you’re doing.”
Yamaha was the first to introduce power steering technology, completely new to ATVs when it arrived on the Yamaha Grizzly YFM700FAP back in 2006. It works by using sensors to calculate speed; the ECU then calculates how much assistance is needed and activates the Electric Power Steer pump if required. That effectively adds a bit of elbow grease, with more assistance at slow speeds than high. It’s especially useful over rocky terrain, or when encountering an unexpected bump – such as rocks hidden in grass or underwater – which could throw you off line, and into trouble.
Utility farm ATVs can be heavy, especially with the attachments and extras that are sometimes fitted. That first power-steer Grizzly fielded a mighty 686cc four stroke motor and tipped the scales at 276kg – more with fuel, oil and rider aboard. But that heft was offset by the ease which it’s controlled thanks to power steer.
The first ATVs to get power steer assistance were Yamaha’s biggest, in four-wheel-drive Ultramatic form. But the tech proved so popular it’s now available on a wider range of Yamaha ATVs, including the YFM550FAP Grizzly, and the just revealed 2011 model YFM450FAP. Other brands have also followed Yamaha’s power steer lead, and it’s easy to see why. “Today’s farms are often run by mum and dad family teams, and not everyone using the equipment is built like Jonah Lomu,” Payne says.
“Statistics show that lighter riders are more at risk, as they have to work harder to control these heavy machines, and get into trouble more easily over the hilly terrain so typical of New Zealand farms and trails.”
“Power steer assistance means even a smaller rider can easily control the ATV, dramatically improving safety during the ride, and reducing concentration-draining fatigue throughout the day,” he says.
Yamaha ATV facts - Yamaha introduced its first ATV in 1979, with the debut of the YT125 Tri-Moto - Yamaha introduced the first shaft drive and first electric start ATV in 1983, with the YTM225DX Tri-Moto - Yamaha introduced the first twin-cylinder ATV in 1987, the four-wheel-drive Banshee 350 sportsmodel. It won the Baja 1000 on its first outing. - Yamaha introduced the first ATV with a cargo bed in 1989. - Yamaha introduces “Ultramatic” with Hi Lo ratio and full engine breaking on the 600 Grizzly in 1998, based on the drive system used successfully in Yamaha snow mobiles and Golf Cars - Yamaha introduces selectable 2wd 4wd Hi Lo ratio with “Ultramatic” on the 400 Kodiak in 1999 - Yamaha introduces the first ATV with power steering in 2006, the Grizzly 700.
Piloting Working ATVs over NZ’s rugged terrain can be hard work – which is why power assisted steering is so useful, says Yamaha NZ’s Peter Payne.
“Whether you use your ATV all day for work or the occasional leisure activity, riding it shouldn’t become a wrestling match. Not only is accurate steering vital to safety – easy manoeuvring keeps you fresh to concentrate on everything else you’re doing.”
Yamaha was the first to introduce power steering technology, completely new to ATVs when it arrived on the Yamaha Grizzly YFM700FAP back in 2006. It works by using sensors to calculate speed; the ECU then calculates how much assistance is needed and activates the Electric Power Steer pump if required. That effectively adds a bit of elbow grease, with more assistance at slow speeds than high. It’s especially useful over rocky terrain, or when encountering an unexpected bump – such as rocks hidden in grass or underwater – which could throw you off line, and into trouble.
Utility farm ATVs can be heavy, especially with the attachments and extras that are sometimes fitted. That first power-steer Grizzly fielded a mighty 686cc four stroke motor and tipped the scales at 276kg – more with fuel, oil and rider aboard. But that heft was offset by the ease which it’s controlled thanks to power steer.
The first ATVs to get power steer assistance were Yamaha’s biggest, in four-wheel-drive Ultramatic form. But the tech proved so popular it’s now available on a wider range of Yamaha ATVs, including the YFM550FAP Grizzly, and the just revealed 2011 model YFM450FAP. Other brands have also followed Yamaha’s power steer lead, and it’s easy to see why. “Today’s farms are often run by mum and dad family teams, and not everyone using the equipment is built like Jonah Lomu,” Payne says.
“Statistics show that lighter riders are more at risk, as they have to work harder to control these heavy machines, and get into trouble more easily over the hilly terrain so typical of New Zealand farms and trails.”
“Power steer assistance means even a smaller rider can easily control the ATV, dramatically improving safety during the ride, and reducing concentration-draining fatigue throughout the day,” he says.
Yamaha ATV facts - Yamaha introduced its first ATV in 1979, with the debut of the YT125 Tri-Moto - Yamaha introduced the first shaft drive and first electric start ATV in 1983, with the YTM225DX Tri-Moto - Yamaha introduced the first twin-cylinder ATV in 1987, the four-wheel-drive Banshee 350 sportsmodel. It won the Baja 1000 on its first outing. - Yamaha introduced the first ATV with a cargo bed in 1989. - Yamaha introduces “Ultramatic” with Hi Lo ratio and full engine breaking on the 600 Grizzly in 1998, based on the drive system used successfully in Yamaha snow mobiles and Golf Cars - Yamaha introduces selectable 2wd 4wd Hi Lo ratio with “Ultramatic” on the 400 Kodiak in 1999 - Yamaha introduces the first ATV with power steering in 2006, the Grizzly 700.
Things started off well in the UK, with a short trip to Dublin to see the cousins and a little bit of sightseeing, then over to Wales, where I’m staying with the Jones family. Geraint Jones is an Enduro legend from the 70’s and 80’s and his wealth of knowledge has been a great help. The family runs Yamaha Offroad Experience, which is a day in the mud, scooting round on one of Yamaha’s Enduro bikes. In the winter they run training schools for the entry level Enduro riders, who are looking at improving there skills in the sport.
Winter here has been cold, very cold, the worst in 40 years with lots of snow and ice. This has definitely slowed down my plans to do endless amounts of riding. The snow has finally gone now but for the first two weeks here it was hard to get a decent ride, without risking broken bones and frostbite. Since then I have done a fair bit of riding in the local forest.
In 2008 the local motorcycle club ran a round of the WEC and the extreme test is still there and within walking distance of the house. So as you can imagine, I have lost count on how many times I have ridden it.
HELLS GATE We sent the bike, Yamaha YZ250, down to Italy with local extremist Paul Bolton, and we managed to get flights from Birmingham to Pisa, Italy for 8 Euro. We arrived on Wednesday and did the tourist thing in Pisa, took hundreds of photos, drunk too much coffee and ate loads of pasta. After endless u turns and detours we found the leaning tower, my god has it got a lean on. The next day we drove to the little town of Barga, the mountain resort where HELLS GATE is run. Not a bike to be seen as we were the first to arrive, so we made the most of our time and walked the special tests. They were tricky but flowing and it was looking to be a really good test providing it stayed dry. It wasn’t to be as on Friday the heavens opened up and it poured down, turning streams to rivers, soil to mud and grippy rock climbs to near impossible.
RACE DAY The Enduro stared off well and I only got stuck twice on the 1st test and posted the 12th fastest time. As the day wore on the rocks became polished making the tests very hard. In the 2nd test we had 20 minutes to do a 12minute special test and lots of riders were losing lots of time, even Taddy dropped a minute. I managed to stay on time until the last check, the 5 hour Extreme Enduro was wearing me down to a struggling trial rider on this anything but easy course. I was finished, I became negative with the track, the bike and myself, all the things not to do, I struggled to the finish, losing 13minutes on the trail and finished up 31st overall. Only the top 30 get into the night race, I was gutted and kicked myself for losing time. But I know if I had made it I wouldn’t have had the energy needed to give the night race a decent effort. My 1st attempt at HELLS GATE was not a good one, but looking back I did learn a lot. I had been riding most days, running and spending time at the Gym, but it wasn’t enough. I will have to train doubly hard if I am to succeed with my ambition to be a top Enduro rider and I will succeed.
So I have two weeks until the next event, THE TOUGH ONE, and I will have my head down working hard for a decent result.
A special thanks to the Jones family and Yamaha.
Cheers Rory
If you wish to contact me my e-mail address is rory_mead@hotmail.com
Things started off well in the UK, with a short trip to Dublin to see the cousins and a little bit of sightseeing, then over to Wales, where I’m staying with the Jones family. Geraint Jones is an Enduro legend from the 70’s and 80’s and his wealth of knowledge has been a great help. The family runs Yamaha Offroad Experience, which is a day in the mud, scooting round on one of Yamaha’s Enduro bikes. In the winter they run training schools for the entry level Enduro riders, who are looking at improving there skills in the sport.
Winter here has been cold, very cold, the worst in 40 years with lots of snow and ice. This has definitely slowed down my plans to do endless amounts of riding. The snow has finally gone now but for the first two weeks here it was hard to get a decent ride, without risking broken bones and frostbite. Since then I have done a fair bit of riding in the local forest.
In 2008 the local motorcycle club ran a round of the WEC and the extreme test is still there and within walking distance of the house. So as you can imagine, I have lost count on how many times I have ridden it.
HELLS GATE We sent the bike, Yamaha YZ250, down to Italy with local extremist Paul Bolton, and we managed to get flights from Birmingham to Pisa, Italy for 8 Euro. We arrived on Wednesday and did the tourist thing in Pisa, took hundreds of photos, drunk too much coffee and ate loads of pasta. After endless u turns and detours we found the leaning tower, my god has it got a lean on. The next day we drove to the little town of Barga, the mountain resort where HELLS GATE is run. Not a bike to be seen as we were the first to arrive, so we made the most of our time and walked the special tests. They were tricky but flowing and it was looking to be a really good test providing it stayed dry. It wasn’t to be as on Friday the heavens opened up and it poured down, turning streams to rivers, soil to mud and grippy rock climbs to near impossible.
RACE DAY The Enduro stared off well and I only got stuck twice on the 1st test and posted the 12th fastest time. As the day wore on the rocks became polished making the tests very hard. In the 2nd test we had 20 minutes to do a 12minute special test and lots of riders were losing lots of time, even Taddy dropped a minute. I managed to stay on time until the last check, the 5 hour Extreme Enduro was wearing me down to a struggling trial rider on this anything but easy course. I was finished, I became negative with the track, the bike and myself, all the things not to do, I struggled to the finish, losing 13minutes on the trail and finished up 31st overall. Only the top 30 get into the night race, I was gutted and kicked myself for losing time. But I know if I had made it I wouldn’t have had the energy needed to give the night race a decent effort. My 1st attempt at HELLS GATE was not a good one, but looking back I did learn a lot. I had been riding most days, running and spending time at the Gym, but it wasn’t enough. I will have to train doubly hard if I am to succeed with my ambition to be a top Enduro rider and I will succeed.
So I have two weeks until the next event, THE TOUGH ONE, and I will have my head down working hard for a decent result.
A special thanks to the Jones family and Yamaha.
Cheers Rory
If you wish to contact me my e-mail address is rory_mead@hotmail.com
After one of the most difficult weeks of his life, Yamaha rider Jay Marmont has claimed victory at the fourth round of the Monster Energy Super X Series in Canberra tonight.
With his daughter, Lila passing away just days ago, Marmont was inspirational, showing true professionalism and extraordinary strength in winning tonight's event.
In the Pro Lites, Kyle Cunningham bounced back from a fall in the opening race to win his first race since joining Serco Yamaha for the Australian Supercross season. The fifth round of the 2009 Monster Energy Super X series will take place at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday November 14, 2009.
Pro Open Report Jay Marmont has completed one of the most inspiring performances seen in Supercross history with the CDR Rockstar Yamaha rider taking victory at round four of the Monster Energy Super X series at Canberra Stadium tonight. Marmont, who took the holeshot in each race and finished each of tonight's three motos second, third and first, dedicated his victory to his daughter, Lila who passed away on Thursday.
CDR Rockstar Yamaha Team Principal, Craig Dack said that after placing no pressure on Marmont to compete, the victory is one which he will remember forever. "On behalf of the CDR Rockstar Yamaha team and Yamaha Motor Australia, tonight we salute Jay Marmont - a true champion and an incredible person along with his wife Abby who is an unsung hero after everything they have been through over the last six months," Dack said. "To achieve what he [Jay Marmont] did tonight, will hold a place in our hearts forever."
While the crowd rode each lap of the race with Marmont it was a challenging night on track for his team-mate, Cheyne Boyd who fell during the first race and had his brake torn off. He recovered from the DNF and claimed 19th in the second race before finishing second to Marmont in the final race.
Monster Energy Super X Pro Open Round Four points 1. Jay MARMONT, Yamaha, 25 2. Daniel McCOY, KTM, 22 3. Dan REARDON, Honda,20 4. Michael BYRNE, Honda, 18 5. Tye SIMMONDS, KTM, 16 6. Chad REED, Kawasaki, 15 7. Troy CARROLL, Kawasaki, 14 8. Jeremy McGRATH, Honda, , 13 9. Craig ANDERSON, Kawasaki, 12 10. Cameron TAYLOR, Suzuki, 11 15.Cheyne BOYD, Yamaha, 6
Monster Energy Super X Pro Open championship standings 1. Dan REARDON, Honda, 89 2. Jay MARMONT, Yamaha,88 3. Chad REED, Kawasaki, 82 4. Tye SIMMONDS, KTM, 68 5. Daniel McCOY, KTM, 62 6. Cody MACKIE, Kawasaki, 54 7. Cheyne BOYD,Yamaha, 54 8. Craig ANDERSON, Kawasaki, 48 9. Cameron TAYLOR,Suzuki, 47 10. Troy CARROLL, Kawasaki, 45
Pro Lite Report Serco Yamaha's Kyle Cunningham has recorded his first ever Monster Energy Super X race victory with the young American the first to the finish line in tonight's second race of the Triple Challenge at Canberra Stadium.
Unfortunately for Cunningham the race victory was not enough to provide him with his fourth consecutive podium finish after the YZ250F rider finished 18th and third in the other two races of the evening.The result means that Cunningham has slipped two positions in the championship to fourth.
"I got the heat victory then in the first moto, I came out a bit short on the triple and fell and couldn't get my bike started, so I finished way behind the lead pack which was pretty disappointing," Cunningham said. "I was able to get the holeshot from the outside in the second race and won by four seconds and then in the third moto got caught up and lost a lot of time there and then got sixth overall."
Cunningham's team-mate, Kirk Gibbs finished inside the top three in the opening race before a fall in the second race saw the YZ250F rider finish the race in 16th position. He was able to recover and claim sixth in the final race and eighth for the round. "My bike was good tonight, I struggled a bit during practice but we sorted a few of the issues out over the night and I felt quite comfortable," Gibbs said. "I fell in the second race and my knee is a bit sore but I will back on the bike during the week and ready for Parramatta next weekend."
Yamaha supported rider, Ryan Marmont represented the manufacturer on the podium by finishing second overall.
Monster Energy Super X Pro Lites Round Four 1. Matt MOSS, Suzuki, 25 2. Ryan MARMONT, Yamaha, 22 3. Lawson BOPPING, Suzuki, 20 4. Luke STYKE, Yamaha, 18 5. Brendan HARRISON, Yamaha, 16 6. Kyle CUNNINGHAM, Yamaha, 15 7. Danny Anderson, KTM, 14 8. Kirk GIBBS, Yamaha, 13 9. Lewis Woods, Kawasaki, 12 10. Taylor POTTER, KTM, 11
Monster Energy Super X Pro Lites championship standings 1. Matt MOSS, Suzuki, 100 2. Lawson BOPPING, Suzuki, 78 3. Ryan MARMONT, Yamaha, 75 4. Kyle CUNNINGHAM, Yamaha, 75 5. Brendan HARRISON, Yamaha, 59 6. Kirk GIBBS, Yamaha, 56 7. Lewis WOODS, Kawasaki, 47 8. Danny ANDERSON, KTM, 46 9. Adam MONEA, Suzuki, 46 10. Luke ARBON, Kawasaki , 36
After one of the most difficult weeks of his life, Yamaha rider Jay Marmont has claimed victory at the fourth round of the Monster Energy Super X Series in Canberra tonight.
With his daughter, Lila passing away just days ago, Marmont was inspirational, showing true professionalism and extraordinary strength in winning tonight's event.
In the Pro Lites, Kyle Cunningham bounced back from a fall in the opening race to win his first race since joining Serco Yamaha for the Australian Supercross season. The fifth round of the 2009 Monster Energy Super X series will take place at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday November 14, 2009.
Pro Open Report Jay Marmont has completed one of the most inspiring performances seen in Supercross history with the CDR Rockstar Yamaha rider taking victory at round four of the Monster Energy Super X series at Canberra Stadium tonight. Marmont, who took the holeshot in each race and finished each of tonight's three motos second, third and first, dedicated his victory to his daughter, Lila who passed away on Thursday.
CDR Rockstar Yamaha Team Principal, Craig Dack said that after placing no pressure on Marmont to compete, the victory is one which he will remember forever. "On behalf of the CDR Rockstar Yamaha team and Yamaha Motor Australia, tonight we salute Jay Marmont - a true champion and an incredible person along with his wife Abby who is an unsung hero after everything they have been through over the last six months," Dack said. "To achieve what he [Jay Marmont] did tonight, will hold a place in our hearts forever."
While the crowd rode each lap of the race with Marmont it was a challenging night on track for his team-mate, Cheyne Boyd who fell during the first race and had his brake torn off. He recovered from the DNF and claimed 19th in the second race before finishing second to Marmont in the final race.
Monster Energy Super X Pro Open Round Four points 1. Jay MARMONT, Yamaha, 25 2. Daniel McCOY, KTM, 22 3. Dan REARDON, Honda,20 4. Michael BYRNE, Honda, 18 5. Tye SIMMONDS, KTM, 16 6. Chad REED, Kawasaki, 15 7. Troy CARROLL, Kawasaki, 14 8. Jeremy McGRATH, Honda, , 13 9. Craig ANDERSON, Kawasaki, 12 10. Cameron TAYLOR, Suzuki, 11 15.Cheyne BOYD, Yamaha, 6
Monster Energy Super X Pro Open championship standings 1. Dan REARDON, Honda, 89 2. Jay MARMONT, Yamaha,88 3. Chad REED, Kawasaki, 82 4. Tye SIMMONDS, KTM, 68 5. Daniel McCOY, KTM, 62 6. Cody MACKIE, Kawasaki, 54 7. Cheyne BOYD,Yamaha, 54 8. Craig ANDERSON, Kawasaki, 48 9. Cameron TAYLOR,Suzuki, 47 10. Troy CARROLL, Kawasaki, 45
Pro Lite Report Serco Yamaha's Kyle Cunningham has recorded his first ever Monster Energy Super X race victory with the young American the first to the finish line in tonight's second race of the Triple Challenge at Canberra Stadium.
Unfortunately for Cunningham the race victory was not enough to provide him with his fourth consecutive podium finish after the YZ250F rider finished 18th and third in the other two races of the evening.The result means that Cunningham has slipped two positions in the championship to fourth.
"I got the heat victory then in the first moto, I came out a bit short on the triple and fell and couldn't get my bike started, so I finished way behind the lead pack which was pretty disappointing," Cunningham said. "I was able to get the holeshot from the outside in the second race and won by four seconds and then in the third moto got caught up and lost a lot of time there and then got sixth overall."
Cunningham's team-mate, Kirk Gibbs finished inside the top three in the opening race before a fall in the second race saw the YZ250F rider finish the race in 16th position. He was able to recover and claim sixth in the final race and eighth for the round. "My bike was good tonight, I struggled a bit during practice but we sorted a few of the issues out over the night and I felt quite comfortable," Gibbs said. "I fell in the second race and my knee is a bit sore but I will back on the bike during the week and ready for Parramatta next weekend."
Yamaha supported rider, Ryan Marmont represented the manufacturer on the podium by finishing second overall.
Monster Energy Super X Pro Lites Round Four 1. Matt MOSS, Suzuki, 25 2. Ryan MARMONT, Yamaha, 22 3. Lawson BOPPING, Suzuki, 20 4. Luke STYKE, Yamaha, 18 5. Brendan HARRISON, Yamaha, 16 6. Kyle CUNNINGHAM, Yamaha, 15 7. Danny Anderson, KTM, 14 8. Kirk GIBBS, Yamaha, 13 9. Lewis Woods, Kawasaki, 12 10. Taylor POTTER, KTM, 11
Monster Energy Super X Pro Lites championship standings 1. Matt MOSS, Suzuki, 100 2. Lawson BOPPING, Suzuki, 78 3. Ryan MARMONT, Yamaha, 75 4. Kyle CUNNINGHAM, Yamaha, 75 5. Brendan HARRISON, Yamaha, 59 6. Kirk GIBBS, Yamaha, 56 7. Lewis WOODS, Kawasaki, 47 8. Danny ANDERSON, KTM, 46 9. Adam MONEA, Suzuki, 46 10. Luke ARBON, Kawasaki , 36
For the good part of a year rumours surrounding Yamaha’s plans to introduce an all new 4-stroke revolution were rife within the industry and all the industry reliant businesses accumulated in the urban stratosphere. Instant dismal contracts were issued by Yamaha Global worldwide and tongues were effectively clipped insuring that absolutely nothing leaked. What followed from such a mammoth global control effort from Yamaha was an expectation factor that grew widely out of proportion. Within the last few months leading up the release of the highly anticipated twenty-ten YZ250F there were leaked photos on the internet of some Greek technicians CRT monitor showing the possible blue prints of what we now refer to as gospel. That poor character was made redundant (or so the rumour is told) and then Yamaha released information on the brand new YZ250F which stunned the world followed by dropping the next bombshell “where the bloody hell is the 450”.
Fast forward a month and news of the YZ450F has spread like a global disease or moreover a perfectly simulated and implemented PR campaign that surely must reap the dividends. Yamahas YZ450F for 2010 is so radically enhanced its a staggering thought that Yamaha had the ability to revolutionise the 4-stroke off-road world when it was an odds on bet that another manufacturer would beat them to the fold.
Like the new 2010 YZ250F the 2010 YZ450F has left no stone unturned in its quest to become the most technically advanced model overhaul to create a truly ground breaking machine. Of course the technology within its engine is nothing new to engine developers the globe over but it is however new thinking and intuitive development in the search for ultimate off-road performance. Yamaha took their time in implementing a fuel injected (FI) motocross bike into their quiver of machines sticking to their laurels that it had to be done right the first time or not at all. In the scheme of things the introduction of FI into the 2010 YZ450F is merely a sweetener to the total package; what lies hidden amongst the inventory of forward thinking changes is the generation leaping enhancements to the frame, engine, chassis, ergonomics and suspension.
YZ450F MAIN FEATURES
The new bilateral frame sits at the heart of the YZ450F development project and is similar the bilateral frame used in the YZ250F but having a very different execution. The new bilateral frame was developed using a new structural analysis method and the frame itself consists of 16 components made from four different aluminium processes using revolutionary semi solid die-casting which allows complex shapes to be constructed stronger with just the right amount of controlled flex. Thanks to the new technology the frame is more symmetrical allowing for a better overall feel and the frames ability to absorb and withstand forces and impacts with better balance and more consistent feel.
To accommodate the new frame the rear suspension has been positioned in line with the machines central axis. Its position has been made possible by the adoption of the frontal intake FI system. The position of the rear shock has also been moved around 30mm lower. Changes to the rear KYB shock absorber include an increased cylinder diameter from 46mm to 50mm for greater capacity whilst the stroke remains the same. The whole shock revision has created a damping force with new levels of rider control and feel.
In tune with the new frame and shock mount is a brand new swingarm that provides even greater linear cornering performance than 2009. The thickness of the rear axle clamp has been increased for greater rigidity whilst realising the total chassis design concept of good longitudinal flexibility and high lateral and torsional rigidity.
Whilst the rear shock is modified and aligned with the new frame Yamaha has also introduced brand new KYB speed sensitive front forks in order to improve shock absorption and smooth operation when entering turns at high speed. The damping valve specs have been recalibrated and the forks gain an extra 10mm of travel.
In conjunction with the upgrade to the frame and the speed sensitive forks the front fork triple clamps have had their offset reduced from 25mm to 22mm. The caster, trail and other dimensions have also been optimised in relation to each other to help achieve a high-level of handling performance. The triple clamps themselves feature the same four-way adjustability of new YZ250F handlebar mount clamp.
An all new seat has been introduced to take advantage of the new design aspects incorporated with the front intake and FI system. Additionally it takes advantage of the under seat fuel tank designed to centralise machine mass and lower the centre of gravity (COG).
In a back to the future attitude the YZ450F’s exterior bodywork adopts newly designed lightweight front and rear fenders, front number plate, front fork protectors, side covers and air scoop. The new body styling is sculptured with elements from the new fast and edgy looking arrow design aspect of the new YZ250F. Other lightweight advantages are the inclusions of the new-design sprocket and plastic resin engine guard and lightweight electrical parts as well as the magnesium cylinder, clutch, ACG and oil filter covers.
ENGINE
The all-new liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke single-cylinder 4-valve engine is designed and engineered to provide power development that makes for better driveability whilst contributing to a better centralisation of mass. Bore and stroke is now 97.0 x 60.8mm whilst the bore has been widened by 2mm and the stroke shortened by 2.6mm compared to the 2009 model. Compression ratio has been increased from 12.5:1 compared to 12.3:1 on the 2009 YZ450F.
The shortened stroke reduces the height of the engine for better mass centralisation with the new four valve head configuration making best performance from a centrally positioned spark plug. A unique new fuel injected engine with straight intake and a rearward-slanting cylinder has been realised by employing a combination of the latest FI technologies. The new layout totally challenges the accepted concepts of chassis design and introduced a new dimension not possible in a chassis developed for carburettor fed engines.
The advantages made possible with the new FI system are near limitless in the new YZ450F. To monitor changes in running conditions the FI system is updated constantly with information gathering equipped intake pressure, intake air temperature, current air pressure, crankshaft rpm, throttle position, and coolant temperature sensors. Based on data fed from those sensors the compact ECU calculates the optimum induction fuel volume. The fuel is feed through the 44mm Keihin throttle body from the front of the engine through a specific motocross developed 12-hole injector to spray atomised fuel at the opposite wall of the intake port. With the inclusion of FI, Yamaha incorporated a large capacity alternating current magneto to eliminate the need for a battery and further reducing overall weight. Unlike other cumbersome systems Yamaha’s FI system is completely tuneable by the user from an optional YZ Power Tuner setting tool accessory.
The YZ Power Tuner is a compact handheld unit that quickly plugs into the FI system port. It’s a robust tool that makes trackside tweaks a breeze with absolutely no need for a laptop as it features its own liquid crystal display and hard drive function.
Accompanying the rearward-slanting engine with frontal intake is a rear-positioned exhaust. It’s been dubbed the ‘tornado’ because of its curved shape and by the addition of the curves between the exhaust port and the muffler it maintains a similar length to the previous 09’ version whilst achieving a better centralisation of machine mass without sacrificing power output. A resonator chamber is also standard fitment inside the exhaust to ensure sufficient silencing whilst enhancing torque characteristics from the bottom to mid rev range.
With the arrival of the technologically advanced rearward-slanting engine Yamaha engineers took the concept to a new level by offsetting the cylinder 12mm from the crankshaft. The result is a massive reduction in friction due to the more efficient use of the force created by having the connecting rod vertical at the moment of greatest combustion force.
REBIRTH OF A LEGEND Like the YZ250F the new YZ450F will be available in New Zealand in both Yamaha Blue and Special Edition White. Reading between the lines availability of the YZ450F probably won’t hit our shores till the thick end of December which leaves its availability for nationals 2009 lingering till the New Year.
Both the blue and white versions of the NZ YZ450F will come spec’d with the same black rimmed wheels as the YZ250F and have the same Pro Taper handlebars although the bodywork differs ever so slightly due to the under seat mounted fuel tank and front mounted intake. The optional YZ Power Tuner, as mentioned earlier, will not only contain the ability to personally fine tune the FI settings but has the ability to save new maps which can be stored on the tool and even shared to a friend’s YZ450F. In a similar fashion the YZ Power Tuner serves as complete diagnostic aid recording accumulated engine hours and logging any malfunctions as well serving as a real-time information monitor during any time of your ride. Currently there is no price on the YZ Power Tool and we don’t expect it to be cheap. However despite its features surely indicating a specialised cost the YZ Power Tool will serve as an integral part of owning a YZ450F for the future.
Yamaha have certainly covered the entire spectrum in creating a truly spectacular machine. If the machine is going to be anything as good as it is on paper in the dirt then Yamaha certainly have engineered a master piece; which was unquestionably the case with their recently released YZ250F. With a launch on the horizon for the all new YZ450F look out for a feature in the November issue of Kiwi Rider Magazine.
Click to open full specs below: Click to view introductory video from Yamaha America: Read more...
For the good part of a year rumours surrounding Yamaha’s plans to introduce an all new 4-stroke revolution were rife within the industry and all the industry reliant businesses accumulated in the urban stratosphere. Instant dismal contracts were issued by Yamaha Global worldwide and tongues were effectively clipped insuring that absolutely nothing leaked. What followed from such a mammoth global control effort from Yamaha was an expectation factor that grew widely out of proportion. Within the last few months leading up the release of the highly anticipated twenty-ten YZ250F there were leaked photos on the internet of some Greek technicians CRT monitor showing the possible blue prints of what we now refer to as gospel. That poor character was made redundant (or so the rumour is told) and then Yamaha released information on the brand new YZ250F which stunned the world followed by dropping the next bombshell “where the bloody hell is the 450”.
Fast forward a month and news of the YZ450F has spread like a global disease or moreover a perfectly simulated and implemented PR campaign that surely must reap the dividends. Yamahas YZ450F for 2010 is so radically enhanced its a staggering thought that Yamaha had the ability to revolutionise the 4-stroke off-road world when it was an odds on bet that another manufacturer would beat them to the fold.
Like the new 2010 YZ250F the 2010 YZ450F has left no stone unturned in its quest to become the most technically advanced model overhaul to create a truly ground breaking machine. Of course the technology within its engine is nothing new to engine developers the globe over but it is however new thinking and intuitive development in the search for ultimate off-road performance. Yamaha took their time in implementing a fuel injected (FI) motocross bike into their quiver of machines sticking to their laurels that it had to be done right the first time or not at all. In the scheme of things the introduction of FI into the 2010 YZ450F is merely a sweetener to the total package; what lies hidden amongst the inventory of forward thinking changes is the generation leaping enhancements to the frame, engine, chassis, ergonomics and suspension.
YZ450F MAIN FEATURES
The new bilateral frame sits at the heart of the YZ450F development project and is similar the bilateral frame used in the YZ250F but having a very different execution. The new bilateral frame was developed using a new structural analysis method and the frame itself consists of 16 components made from four different aluminium processes using revolutionary semi solid die-casting which allows complex shapes to be constructed stronger with just the right amount of controlled flex. Thanks to the new technology the frame is more symmetrical allowing for a better overall feel and the frames ability to absorb and withstand forces and impacts with better balance and more consistent feel.
To accommodate the new frame the rear suspension has been positioned in line with the machines central axis. Its position has been made possible by the adoption of the frontal intake FI system. The position of the rear shock has also been moved around 30mm lower. Changes to the rear KYB shock absorber include an increased cylinder diameter from 46mm to 50mm for greater capacity whilst the stroke remains the same. The whole shock revision has created a damping force with new levels of rider control and feel.
In tune with the new frame and shock mount is a brand new swingarm that provides even greater linear cornering performance than 2009. The thickness of the rear axle clamp has been increased for greater rigidity whilst realising the total chassis design concept of good longitudinal flexibility and high lateral and torsional rigidity.
Whilst the rear shock is modified and aligned with the new frame Yamaha has also introduced brand new KYB speed sensitive front forks in order to improve shock absorption and smooth operation when entering turns at high speed. The damping valve specs have been recalibrated and the forks gain an extra 10mm of travel.
In conjunction with the upgrade to the frame and the speed sensitive forks the front fork triple clamps have had their offset reduced from 25mm to 22mm. The caster, trail and other dimensions have also been optimised in relation to each other to help achieve a high-level of handling performance. The triple clamps themselves feature the same four-way adjustability of new YZ250F handlebar mount clamp.
An all new seat has been introduced to take advantage of the new design aspects incorporated with the front intake and FI system. Additionally it takes advantage of the under seat fuel tank designed to centralise machine mass and lower the centre of gravity (COG).
In a back to the future attitude the YZ450F’s exterior bodywork adopts newly designed lightweight front and rear fenders, front number plate, front fork protectors, side covers and air scoop. The new body styling is sculptured with elements from the new fast and edgy looking arrow design aspect of the new YZ250F. Other lightweight advantages are the inclusions of the new-design sprocket and plastic resin engine guard and lightweight electrical parts as well as the magnesium cylinder, clutch, ACG and oil filter covers.
ENGINE
The all-new liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke single-cylinder 4-valve engine is designed and engineered to provide power development that makes for better driveability whilst contributing to a better centralisation of mass. Bore and stroke is now 97.0 x 60.8mm whilst the bore has been widened by 2mm and the stroke shortened by 2.6mm compared to the 2009 model. Compression ratio has been increased from 12.5:1 compared to 12.3:1 on the 2009 YZ450F.
The shortened stroke reduces the height of the engine for better mass centralisation with the new four valve head configuration making best performance from a centrally positioned spark plug. A unique new fuel injected engine with straight intake and a rearward-slanting cylinder has been realised by employing a combination of the latest FI technologies. The new layout totally challenges the accepted concepts of chassis design and introduced a new dimension not possible in a chassis developed for carburettor fed engines.
The advantages made possible with the new FI system are near limitless in the new YZ450F. To monitor changes in running conditions the FI system is updated constantly with information gathering equipped intake pressure, intake air temperature, current air pressure, crankshaft rpm, throttle position, and coolant temperature sensors. Based on data fed from those sensors the compact ECU calculates the optimum induction fuel volume. The fuel is feed through the 44mm Keihin throttle body from the front of the engine through a specific motocross developed 12-hole injector to spray atomised fuel at the opposite wall of the intake port. With the inclusion of FI, Yamaha incorporated a large capacity alternating current magneto to eliminate the need for a battery and further reducing overall weight. Unlike other cumbersome systems Yamaha’s FI system is completely tuneable by the user from an optional YZ Power Tuner setting tool accessory.
The YZ Power Tuner is a compact handheld unit that quickly plugs into the FI system port. It’s a robust tool that makes trackside tweaks a breeze with absolutely no need for a laptop as it features its own liquid crystal display and hard drive function.
Accompanying the rearward-slanting engine with frontal intake is a rear-positioned exhaust. It’s been dubbed the ‘tornado’ because of its curved shape and by the addition of the curves between the exhaust port and the muffler it maintains a similar length to the previous 09’ version whilst achieving a better centralisation of machine mass without sacrificing power output. A resonator chamber is also standard fitment inside the exhaust to ensure sufficient silencing whilst enhancing torque characteristics from the bottom to mid rev range.
With the arrival of the technologically advanced rearward-slanting engine Yamaha engineers took the concept to a new level by offsetting the cylinder 12mm from the crankshaft. The result is a massive reduction in friction due to the more efficient use of the force created by having the connecting rod vertical at the moment of greatest combustion force.
REBIRTH OF A LEGEND Like the YZ250F the new YZ450F will be available in New Zealand in both Yamaha Blue and Special Edition White. Reading between the lines availability of the YZ450F probably won’t hit our shores till the thick end of December which leaves its availability for nationals 2009 lingering till the New Year.
Both the blue and white versions of the NZ YZ450F will come spec’d with the same black rimmed wheels as the YZ250F and have the same Pro Taper handlebars although the bodywork differs ever so slightly due to the under seat mounted fuel tank and front mounted intake. The optional YZ Power Tuner, as mentioned earlier, will not only contain the ability to personally fine tune the FI settings but has the ability to save new maps which can be stored on the tool and even shared to a friend’s YZ450F. In a similar fashion the YZ Power Tuner serves as complete diagnostic aid recording accumulated engine hours and logging any malfunctions as well serving as a real-time information monitor during any time of your ride. Currently there is no price on the YZ Power Tool and we don’t expect it to be cheap. However despite its features surely indicating a specialised cost the YZ Power Tool will serve as an integral part of owning a YZ450F for the future.
Yamaha have certainly covered the entire spectrum in creating a truly spectacular machine. If the machine is going to be anything as good as it is on paper in the dirt then Yamaha certainly have engineered a master piece; which was unquestionably the case with their recently released YZ250F. With a launch on the horizon for the all new YZ450F look out for a feature in the November issue of Kiwi Rider Magazine.
Click to open full specs below: Click to view introductory video from Yamaha America: Read more...
